David Beckham will miss England's exhibition match against the United
States on Saturday in Chicago.
The English Football Association had said previously that the Real
Madrid midfielder was doubtful for the match, and England coach
Sven-Goran Eriksson confirmed it Monday.
"Real Madrid wants David to train with the club this week," Eriksson
said in a statement.
Beckham is suspended from playing in Real Madrid's season finale this
weekend, but coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo wants him to practice.
"We never expected David to be with us for the first game, and I
understand and respect their view that they want him with them until the
end of the Spanish season," Eriksson said.
Beckham and Real Madrid striker Michael Owen will play the second and
final game on the U.S. tour against Colombia on May 31 in East
Rutherford, N.J.
Even with Beckham and Owen, England's team has mostly second-line and
young players. Defenders Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole, and midfielder
Joe Cole are among the top players on the roster.